Friends, vets offer support
On a sun-drenched tarmac, Marines in dress blues silently accepted the casket of a fallen soldier Thursday, carrying it from airplane to hearse.
The remains of 23-year-old Sgt. John K. Rankel -- the Marine from Speedway who died June 7 in Afghanistan -- were met at Indianapolis International Airport about 2:15 p.m. by family, friends and a group of somber veterans.
With little ceremony, a police escort led the hearse and vehicles carrying Rankel's family from the airport to Conkle Funeral Home in Speedway. More than 25 veterans on motorcycles ended the procession, many with American flags flapping behind them.
One woman, the mother of a Marine who was killed last year, came to offer simple words of condolence and comfort.
Rankel's family appreciated the support.
